Updated 11:11 pm, Thursday, October 11, 2012

The year 2012 marks the 75th anniversary of the town of Southbury putting a halt to the establishment of a Nazi training camp in Kettletown. In 1937, the German-American Bund bought 178 acres in the Kettletown section of Southbury to use as a retreat and training camp.

Led by two pastors, residents organized and protested, and the town passed its first zoning law, outlawing use of land in Southbury for paramilitary training. Stories about the Bund's defeat in Southbury received national attention.

Students are to write an essay on: The importance of civic action in our society today.

First, second and third places will be awarded.

The essay should be between 500 and 750 words, double-spaced.

The essay should include a cover sheet with the student's name, grade, school and contact information. The student's name should not appear anywhere on the essay.